Obviously, it's best not to overexert Rondo if he's still feeling any discomfort the day after games -- which he recently said he is. The Celtics are all but out of the playoff race and their organizational eyes have been focused on the future all season. With four back-to-backs the rest of the season, that should mean Rondo will play in 13 of the remaining 17 games.

“It’s important for him to play some games, but at the same time we don’t want to wear him out or take any risks. We want him to have a full year of rehab and strengthening and not take any steps backwards,” Ainge said. “We’re going to be careful with Rondo as we finish the year. It appears he’s gaining ground to being back to who he is, and we want to see him at 100 percent next season.”

Rondo recently said he still feels soreness on the day after games, specifically in his calves, Achilles and knees.

"I’m still pretty sore when I wake up," he said. "My Achilles bothers me the most when I get out of the bed. Throughout the day, it gets better, but I still don’t want to try to overdo it and something else happens because of that."